This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
On October 27, 2019, President Trump announced that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, had been killed in a US-led raid in northwestern Syria. The swift confirmation of al-Baghdadi's death raised questions about the methods used by US forces to identify their target.
According to David H. Kaye, a professor at Penn State Law School, the latest DNA-testing machines can provide a positive identification in about 90 minutes. However, military commandos also rely on human intelligence, facial features, and other factors to confirm their conclusions.
US officials have not disclosed the exact methods used to identify al-Baghdadi, but it is believed that biometric tests and DNA technology played a crucial role. The use of portable Rapid DNA devices, which can provide accurate automated results, has become more widespread in recent years.
When al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest, it is likely that US forces used facial recognition and other biometric tests to confirm his identity. Counterterrorism experts note that suicide bombs often leave the terrorist's head intact, making it easier to identify the target.
US forces would have also collected DNA samples from al-Baghdadi's body, which could have been used to confirm his identity. The use of biometric tests and DNA technology has become increasingly important in counterterrorism operations, allowing forces to quickly and accurately identify their targets.
